The mRNA vaccine contributors: Assessing their impact through a mainstream lens

Mei Hsiu-Ching Ho, John S. Liu, Weiping Wang and Thomas C. Chuang

Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 2025, vol. 218, issue C

Abstract: The remarkable success of new technologies, such as mRNA vaccines, stems from the collective efforts of numerous scientists over decades. Although prestigious scientific prizes recognise only a few individuals, it is equally important to consider the broader network of contributors. To examine these roles, we collected academic papers on mRNA up to 2022 and used main path analysis to trace the evolution of the technology. Using the mainstreamness index (m-index), we identify key roles—Pioneers, Hurdlers, Team Players, Industrial Scientists and Anchor Legs—to emphasise the significance of knowledge exchange among different actors throughout the development process. By integrating contributions at the scientist, research group and country levels, we reveal patterns of collaboration and knowledge diffusion across roles, thus determining the impact of scientific discoveries. Our findings underscore the critical role of resource allocation in scientific collaborations to accelerate technological advancement.

Keywords: Knowledge diffusion; mRNA vaccine; Mainstreamness; Main path analysis; Knowledge network (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:218:y:2025:i:c:s0040162525002318

DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124200

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